Ir thermometry probe cover

ABSTRACT

A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/420,926, filed on Apr. 9, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a protective cover for the probe of a medical instrument that is insertable into a body cavity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many types of medical instruments, such as an infrared (IR) thermometer, contain a probe for insertion into a body cavity so that various body related measurement can be taken. In order to prevent cross-contamination between patients, or health care workers and patients, the probe is generally enclosed within a protective cover which can be disposed of in a sanitary manner after it has been used. Typically the covers are manufactured of plastic using different types of molding techniques, many of which produce products that have surface imperfections or which cannot be held to tight tolerances. In addition, while most protective covers are packaged and shipped with the covers being stacked one inside the other, unstacking such covers and placing them upon the probe of an instrument can be extremely difficult. For example, since such covers are generally connected and/or otherwise loaded onto the medical instrument by pressing the probe onto/into the first cover in the stack, the remaining covers beneath the first probe cover tend to wedge together and/or otherwise bind in the stack with each successive loading operation. As a consequence, such probe covers can be damaged and dropped during removal from the stack. Displacement of a misshapened cover from the instrument probe during an examination can also be unnerving to both the attending health care individuals and the patient. Lastly, defective covers can hang up on the instrument during removal thus requiring unwanted manual handling of a potentially contaminated product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the embodiments described in this disclosure to improve disposable probe covers that are suitable for use in the protection of insertion probes of medical instruments.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide for easy removal of a protective probe cover from a supply stack of covers.

A further object of the present disclosure is to more positively secure a protective probe cover to a medical instrument to insure that the cover does not become dislodged during a patient examination.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to allow for the free release of a used probe cover from a medical instrument.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to minimize the amount of manual handling that is required when loading and unloading a protective probe cover from a medical instrument.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to minimize the risk of damaging a protective probe cover as the cover is being loaded upon a medical instrument.

These and other objects of the present disclosure are attained by a removable protective cover for a medical instrument that contains a probe that is suitable for insertion into a body cavity. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe and/or tip geometry of the instrument and a radially disposed flange that surround the proximal end of the body. A series of snap on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument. Alignment tabs are further provided on the flange that mate with openings in the instrument to properly register the cover with regard to the instrument.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a probe cover for a medical instrument includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and an annular flange extending around the proximal end. The probe cover also includes a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to mate with an ejector mechanism of the instrument. A section of the flange may be configured to flex in response to application of a force to the camming surface by the ejector mechanism, wherein such flexing releases the cover from the instrument.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of removing a probe cover from a medical instrument includes slidably engaging a cam follower surface of the medical instrument with a camming surface of the cover, the camming surface extending at least partially around a proximal end of the cover. The method also includes flexing a section of the proximal end in response to the engagement between the cam follower surface and the camming surface, and disengaging a cove defined by an inner surface of the cover from a detent bead of the instrument in response to the flexing.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for probe cover storage includes a first probe cover having a distal end, a proximal end, an annular flange extending around the proximal end, and a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to mate with an ejector mechanism of the instrument. A section of the flange may be configured to flex in response to application of a force to the camming surface by the ejector mechanism. The first probe cover also includes a shelf extending along at least a portion of an outer surface of the flange and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cover. In such an exemplary embodiment, the system also includes a second probe cover stacked on top of the first probe cover such that the distal end of the first probe cover is disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the second probe cover. The second probe cover includes a base disposed on the shelf of the first probe cover such that a gap is formed between the first probe cover and the second probe cover, the gap extending from the shelf to the distal end of the first probe cover.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of storing probe covers for a medical instrument includes desirably positioning a first probe cover at a storage location, and disposing a second probe cover on top of the first probe cover such that a distal end of the first probe cover is located substantially within a distal end of the second probe cover and a proximal end of the first probe cover is located substantially directly beneath and adjacent to a proximal end of the second probe cover. The method also includes mating a base formed on an inner surface of the second probe cover with a shelf formed on an outer surface of the first probe cover, the base maintaining a gap extending between the first and second surface.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a probe cover for a medical instrument includes a substantially conical body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a flange annularly surrounding the proximal end, the body defining a longitudinal axis and tapering away from the longitudinal axis from the distal end toward the proximal end. The probe cover also includes an IR transparent lens disposed at the distal end of the body, and a cove formed by an inner surface of the body, the cove extending annularly around the body and being configured to receive a plurality of detent beads of the instrument for releasably connecting the probe cover to the instrument. The probe cover further includes a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to receive an ejector finger of the instrument, and a weakened section formed proximate the cove. The weakened section is configured to bend in response to an upward force applied to the camming surface by the ejector finger, wherein bending of the weakened section removes the cove from the plurality of detent beads and releases the probe cover from the instrument. In such an exemplary embodiment, the cover further includes an annular shelf extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, the shelf being disposed substantially above the cove and defined by a portion of an outer surface of the cover opposite the cove. Such an exemplary probe cover also includes a base configured to rest upon a shelf of an additional probe cover stacked therebeneath, wherein a maximum vertical distance between the camming surface and the base is greater than or equal to approximately half of a maximum vertical distance between the cove and the base. Moreover, in such an exemplary embodiment, a horizontal distance between a vertically uppermost portion of the face and a radially outermost portion of the cove is less than approximately twice the maximum vertical distance between the cove and the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of these and other objects of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the following detailed description of the invention which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial view in perspective illustrating the probe end of a medical instrument showing a protective cover embodying the invention securely affixed to the instrument;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the protective cover moved to a release position;

FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the probe end of an IR thermometer with portion broken away to show the apparatus of the invention in greater detail;

FIG. 4 is a prospective view of the tip end of probe for use in a medical instrument embodying the present invention with the protective cover removed;

FIG. 5 is a prospective view similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4 showing a protective cover secured to the tip of the instrument probe;

FIG. 6 is a prospective view similar to that shown in FIG. 5 with the cover mounted upon the probe tip in an unsecured condition;

FIG. 7A is a partial view in section showing the probe tip of a medical instrument with a protective cover secured to the instrument in a locked position;

FIG. 7B is an enlarged partial view showing in greater detail one of the snap-on fasteners in a locked position as well as the cover ejector mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7A showing the ejector mechanism moved to a releasing position;

FIG. 9A is a partial view similar to that shown in FIG. 7A showing a further embodiment of the invention with one of the fastener in a locked position;

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view showing the snap-on fastener and the ejector mechanism shown in FIG. 9A in greater detail;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a number of protective covers stacked one inside the other;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, including a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail;

FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary probe cover of the present disclosure being acted on by an ejector mechanism;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a number of probe covers stacked on top of and substantially inside one another;

FIG. 16 is another exemplary embodiment of the probe cover and ejector mechanism show in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view and a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, including a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail; and

FIG. 18 is an isometric view and a cross-sectional view of a probe cover according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, including a portion broken away to show the probe cover in greater detail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, the present disclosure relates to a protective probe cover, generally referenced 10, that will be described herein with regard to an infrared thermometer 11. It should be clear to one skilled in the art, however, that an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with various other medical instruments having an extended probe for insertion into a body cavity. As pointed out above, disposable protective covers are placed over the probes to mitigate the danger of cross contamination occurring during and after an examination. The covers found in the prior art are typically made of plastic and are fabricated using various molding processes. Many of these molding methods, however, create imperfections in the final product and are unable to hold the product to close tolerances, thus resulting in unwanted and potentially dangerous problems arising particularly during a medical procedure.

Testing has shown that probe covers that are fabricated by the injection molding process can be held to tight tolerances while still having a desired amount of flexibility that help overcome many fabrication problems. Accordingly, the exemplary probe covers described herein may comprise plastic covers that have been formed by one or more of vacuum forming, thermoforming, and injection molding.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the top section of a hand held IR thermometer 11. The instrument includes a lower body section 12 and an upper head section 13 that contains an insertion probe that protrudes outwardly some distance from the head of the instrument. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the proximal end section 15 of the probe is cylindrical in form and is secured by any suitable means to the head. The distal end 16 of the probe projects outwardly from the head and is conical shaped so as to taper downwardly from the cylindrical body of the probe towards the distal end tip 17. An IR sensor 18 is mounted in the tip of the probe. Although not shown, the sensor 18 is connected by electrical leads to a processor that is located within the body of the instrument which provides an accurate temperature read out to the user.

The probe cover 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 mounted upon the extended end of the probe in a locked position wherein the cover is securely fastened to the probe. The inner wall surface 53 of the cover complements the conical wall surface of probe. As will be explained in further detail below, the cover 10 may be releasably secured to the probe by a series of snap-on fasteners 50. As illustrated in FIG. 3, an ejector mechanism, generally referenced 25, is slidably mounted inside the instrument head upon the cylindrical section of the probe. The ejector mechanism is equipped with a circular ring 24 that surrounds the cylindrical section of the probe to provide a close running fit therebetween so that the ejector mechanism can be moved, for example, axially along the centerline 29 of the probe between a first cover locking position and a second cover releasing position. In additional exemplary embodiments, the ejector mechanism, or at least a component thereof, may be moved along an arcuate path to facilitate release of the cover 10.

The ring of the ejector mechanism contains a raised finger-engageable control button 26 that passes upwardly through an opening 27 contained in the head of the instrument. When the control button is situated at the back of the opening as shown in FIG. 1, the ejector mechanism is in the first probe locking position. Manual movement of the control button to the front of the opening as illustrated in FIG. 2 places the ejector mechanism a second probe releasing position.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-6 there is illustrated the front circular shoulder mount 30 of the probe assembly which is retained within the front wall 31 of the instrument head to support the distal end 16 of the probe in assembly. FIG. 4 shows the probe without a cover. Two opposed arcuate shaped slots 33-33 are located in the probe mount 30 that are centered upon the longitudinal axis 29 of the probe. A pair of arcuate shaped fingers 35-35 that are integrally joined to the ejector ring 24 and are slidably contained within the slots 33-33. The fingers are arranged to be extended and retracted along an upward and/or arcuate path as the ejector moves between the first and second positions. A series of circumferentially spaced segmented detent beads 38-38 are mounted upon the probe and, as will be explained in greater detail below, each bead section is the male part of a two-part snap on fitting for releasably securing the probe cover 10 to the instrument. Preferably three equally spaced fittings are employed to secure the cover to the instruments, however, more or less fittings may be employed depending upon the particular application.

FIG. 5 illustrates a protective cover 10 mounted in a locked position upon the probe. At this time, the flange 40 of the cover has engaged the fingers 35-35 of the ejector mechanism and has moved the ejector back to the cover locking position due to the rearward movement of the cover over the probe. Full rearward movement is attained when the snap-on fasteners engage the bead segments on the probe.

FIG. 6 illustrates a probe cover located upon the probe with the ejector mechanism in the cover releasing position. At this time the control button 25 (FIG. 3) has been moved forward causing the ejector mechanism to unlock the fasteners thus releasing the cover. In addition the continued movement of the ejector toward the distal end of the probe frees the cover from the probe.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 illustrate a first embodiment of the apparatus for securing and releasing a probe cover from the instrument. FIG. 7A shows the above described ejector mechanism 25 moved back into the first cover locking position and a snap-on fasteners generally reference 50 in a cover securing condition. At this time the cover is snuggly contained upon the probe. The cover contains an IR transparent lens or window 19 mounted in the distal tip thereof which is now located in close proximity with the IR sensor 18 (see FIG. 3).

With further reference to FIG. 7B the securing and releasing apparatus is shown in further detail in the locked position. Each snap-on fastener 50 includes two mating parts or sections. These include the previously noted bead segment 38 located upon the probe surface that mates with an arcuate and/or otherwise operatively shaped cove 42 that is contained in and/or formed by the inner wall surface 53 of the cover and/or the flange 40. The cove preferably extends circularly about the axis of the cover and services each of the detent beads. The cover wall section that encircles the cove provides a weakened section in the cover about which the cover can flex when an upward force is applied to the flange, such as at an outer face 56 of the flange. Such a weakened section may be disposed proximal to or distal to the cove 42. In an exemplary embodiment, a circular camming surface 58 is contained in the outer face of the flange that runs along the rim of the flange. In additional exemplary embodiments, the camming surface may be defined by any portion of the flange convenient for receiving a component of the ejector mechanism 25. The camming surface may be angularly offset with regard to the axis of the cover. The distal end of the two fingers 35 of the ejector mechanism is provided with a arcuate surface 60 that is arranged to ride in contact with camming surface 58 as the ejector mechanism moves between the first and second positions. Surface 60 thus serves as a cam follower in system. Although surface 60 is shown arcuate in form, it can, in practice, be a flat surface that rides in sliding contact with camming surface 58 without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7B shows the probe cover 10 in a locked position with the snap fitting closed thereby securing the cover to the probe. At this time the ejector mechanism is in the cover locking position. Moving the ejector button forward moves the cam follower against the camming surface of flange causing the lower portion of the cover to flex about the weakened wall section which surrounds the cove 42. Sufficient flexure is provided to free the detent beads 38 from the cove 42. Thus, releasing the cover from the probe. As shown in FIG. 8, further forward movement of the ejector moves the cover well clear of the probe surface so that it can fall easily from probe under the influences of gravity.

A series of semi circular tabs 65 are circumferentially spaced upon the outer face of the flange and arranged to mate with openings 66 in the raised shoulder 30 of the probe so that the snap-on fittings will mate properly at the time of closure.

FIGS. 11-18 illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of the probe cover 10. As shown in, for example, FIG. 11, an exemplary probe cover 10 may define a distal end 82, a proximal end 84 opposite the distal end 82, and an annular flange 40 extending around the proximal end 84. The probe cover 10 may also define a longitudinal axis 92.

In such an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end 84 and/or the flange 40 may define one or more components of the probe cover 10. For example, the flange 40 may define the camming surface 58. The camming surface 58 may be formed at any desirable angle relative to the longitudinal axis 92 to facilitate engagement with one or more components of the ejector mechanism 25 discussed above. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the camming surface 58 may be disposed at an acute included angle relative to the longitudinal axis 92 to facilitate a camming and/or otherwise slidable relationship between the camming surface 58 and, for example, a finger 35 of the ejector mechanism 25. In an exemplary embodiment, the camming surface 58 may taper substantially upwardly and substantially inwardly from the proximal end 84 of the cover 10 toward the longitudinal axis 92 and/or the distal end 82.

In such an exemplary embodiment, the camming surface 58 may define a peak 74 disposed at a highest vertical elevation along the camming surface 58 and relative to the longitudinal axis 92. In an exemplary embodiment, the peak 74 may be formed by a substantially rounded portion of the camming surface 58 and/or of the inner surface 53 of the probe cover 10. Alternatively, the peak 74 may be defined as an angled portion of the camming surface 58 and/or of the inner surface 53.

As shown in FIG. 11, one or more portions of the flange 40 may also define the weakened section 88. In an exemplary embodiment, the weakened section 88 may be formed by a portion of the cove 42. In additional exemplary embodiments, the weakened section 88 may be disposed adjacent to the portion of the flange 40 forming the camming surface 58. As will be described in greater detail below with respect to, for example, FIG. 14, the weakened section 88 may be configured to bend, and/or otherwise flex in response to application of a force to the camming surface 58, and the range of flexing may depend upon, for example, the shape, size, and/or other configurations of the section 88.

In addition, the flange 40 may define a base 72 of the probe cover 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 72 may be substantially annular and, in an additional exemplary embodiment, the flange 40 may define a channel, break, and/or space (not shown) between two or more adjacent bases 72. Such a channel, break, and/or space may assist in reducing and/or eliminating, for example, the formation of a negative pressure between two adjacent stacked probe covers 10 during storage, and may thereby assist in removing such probe covers 10 from the stack for usage.

As shown in FIG. 11, the base 72 may comprise a substantially horizontal platform and/or other like surface configured to support the probe cover 10 while stacked, while in storage, and/or while removably connected to a medical instrument during use. As shown in, for example, FIG. 15, the base 72 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 92 and may be configured to rest upon a shelf 76 of an additional probe cover 10 stacked there beneath. In this way, the base 72 may be analogous to the tabs 65 shown in, for example, FIG. 10. Such an exemplary shelf 76 may be defined by the flange 40, and in an exemplary embodiment, the shelf 76 may extend along at least a portion of an outer surface 78 of the probe cover 10 and/or flange 40. It is understood that the outer surface 78 of the probe cover 10 may form the outer surface of the flange 40, and the inner surface 53 of the probe cover 10 may form the inner surface of the flange 40. As shown in FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment, the shelf 76 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 92 of the cover 10. In additional exemplary embodiments, the shelf 76 may extend at any desirable angle relative to the longitudinal axis 92 to facilitate support of an additional probe cover 10 stacked thereon and/or to assist in releasably connecting the probe cover 10 to a medical instrument.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cove 42 may be defined by the inner surface 53 of the probe cover 10, and at least a portion of the cove 42 may be fainted by the flange 40. As described above, the cove 42 may be shaped, sized, positioned, and/or otherwise configured to releasably mate with one or more detent beads 38 (FIG. 14) to facilitate a removable connection between the medical instrument and the probe cover 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the cove 42 may be formed by the same portion of the flange 40 forming the shelf 76. In particular, the cove 42 may be disposed substantially beneath the shelf 76 such that the cove 42 is at least partially defined by the same portion of the flange 40 that forms the shelf 76. As shown in FIG. 11, a remainder of the cove 42 may be formed by one or more substantially vertical and/or otherwise angled, bent, and/or curved portions of the flange 40 and/or the inner surface 53.

As is also illustrated in FIG. 11, one or more spatial and/or dimensional relationships may be maintained between the components of the probe cover 10 described herein. Such relationships may assist in, for example, releasing the probe cover 10 from the medical instrument upon the application of sufficient force by the ejector mechanism 25 (FIG. 14). For example, an exemplary probe cover 10 may define a maximum vertical distance Z between the camming surface 58 and the base 72. As shown in FIG. 11, the maximum vertical distance Z may be measured from the base 72 to the peak 74, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 92. The probe cover 10 may also define a maximum vertical distance X between the cove 42 and the base 72. The maximum vertical distance X may be measured from, for example, an uppermost portion of the cove 42 such as, for example, from substantially flat ceiling 43 of the cove 42 illustrated in FIG. 11. In an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the cove 42 is substantially rounded, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the maximum vertical distance X may be measured from the base 72 to a distal-most portion 73 of the cove 42.

In the exemplary embodiments described herein, the maximum vertical distance Z between the camming surface 58 and the base 72 may be greater than or equal to approximately half of the maximum vertical distance X between the cove 42 and the base 72. In additional exemplary embodiments, the maximum vertical distance Z may be greater than or equal to approximately ⅗ of the maximum vertical distance X. In still further exemplary embodiments, other desirable relationships between the maximum vertical distances, Z, X may be maintained in order to facilitate, for example, flexing of the weakened section 88 and/or release of the probe cover 10 from the medical instrument. In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the distance X may be between approximately 2.2 mm and approximately 2.3 mm. For example, the distance X may be equal to approximately 2.28 mm. In addition, the distance Z may be between approximately 1.7 mm and approximately 1.8 mm. For example, the distance Z may be equal to approximately 1.78 mm.

In addition, any desirable horizontal distance Y between the peak 74 of the camming surface 58 and a radially outer-most portion of the cove 42 may be maintained to facilitate flexing of the weakened section 88. In exemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to minimize the horizontal distance Y in order to reduce the distance the camming surface 58 and/or the finger 25 must travel in order to release the cover 10 from the medical instrument. Reducing the distance Y may, thus, result in easier and/or quicker release of the probe cover 10 from the instrument. As shown in FIG. 11, the horizontal distance Y may be measured from the radially outer most portion of the cove 42 and, in exemplary embodiments in which the cove 42 is substantially rounded (FIG. 13) the distance Y may be measured from a horizontal peak 75 of the cove 42. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the horizontal distance Y may be less than approximately twice the maximum vertical distance X between the cove 42 and the base 72. In such exemplary embodiments, the distance X may have any of the values discussed above and the distance Y may be between approximately 2.2 mm and approximately 2.3 mm. For example, the distance Y may be equal to approximately 2.275 mm.

As shown in FIG. 12, in additional exemplary embodiments, the probe cover 10 may include one or more ribs 80. Such ribs 80 may be disposed on, for example, a radially outer-most portion of the flange 40. In addition, and/or alternatively, such ribs 80 may be disposed on one or more inner-portions of the flange 40. Such ribs 80 may assist in strengthening portions of the flange 40 and/or providing a desired level of structural rigidity thereto. Such added strength and/or structural rigidity may improve the functionality of, for example, the camming surface 58, the weakened section 88, and/or the cove 42. For example, such added structural rigidity may assist the camming surface 58 in mating with the fingers 35 of the ejector mechanism 25 in order to desirably release the cover 10 from the medical instrument. In addition, such structural rigidity may assist the cove 42 in removably connecting with the detent bead 38. In further exemplary embodiments, such ribs 80 may also assist in desirably spacing and/or aligning 2 or more probe covers 10 in a stacked configuration. For example, such ribs 80 may assist in spacing each of the probe covers 10 relative to each other to further facilitate removal of each individual covers 10 from the stack. Such ribs 80 may have any shape, size, orientation, and/or other configuration in order to accentuate some of the advantages described above. In addition, while FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of ribs 80 disposed along an entire circumference of the probe cover 10, in additional exemplary embodiments, it is envisioned that one or more ribs 80 may be desirably disposed along only a portion of and/or portions of such circumferences. FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of the probe cover 10 in which a substantially vertical extension 91 has been added to and/or defined by the camming surface 58. The embodiment of FIG. 17 does not include ribs 80, and is substantially structurally similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, while the embodiment of FIG. 18 does include ribs 80 and is substantially structurally similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. As described above, such ribs 80 may increase the structural rigidity of, for example. the flange 40.

As shown in FIG. 14, and as mentioned above, the ejector mechanism 25 may be utilized to remove the probe cover 10 from a medical instrument such as, for example, an IR thermometer or other like device. The ejector mechanism 25 may be a component of such an instrument, and in an exemplary embodiment, the probe cover 10 may be removed from the instrument by slidably engaging the cam follower surface 60 of the finger 35 with the camming surface 58 of the cover 10. The finger 35 may be manually actuated by the user of the instrument, and as shown in FIG. 14, one or more components of the ejector mechanism 25, such as the finger 35, may travel in a substantially arcuate path as it mates with the camming surface 58. Such an arcuate path is illustrated by arrow 90. The surface 60 may ride distally along substantially the entire camming surface 58 in removing the cover 10 from the instrument, and as the finger 35 is actuated in the direction of arrow 90, the flange 40 and/or other portions of the cover 10 may flex and/or otherwise bend about the weakened section of the flange 40. In an exemplary embodiment, such flexing may increase as the finger 35 is moved distally and/or in the direction of arrow 90. Flexing the cover 10 about the weakened section 88 in response to engagement between the surface 60 and the camming surface 58 may disengaged the cove 42 from the detent bead 38 of the instrument. It is also understood that as the cover 10 is flexed, at least a portion of the camming surface 58 may be moved in a direction toward the longitudinal axis 92 (FIGS. 11-13), and that as the cam follower surface 60 slidably engages the camming surface 58, the surface 60 may also move in a direction toward the longitudinal axis 92. In still further exemplary embodiments, in removing the cover 10 from the instrument, the finger 35 may be actuated distally along a path substantially away from the longitudinal axis 92. Such an exemplary path may be linear or arcuate, and in such exemplary embodiments as the cover 10 is flexed at the weakened portion, at least a portion of the camming surface 58 may be moved in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 92. In addition, as the cam follower surface 60 slidably engages the camming surface 58 in such embodiments, the surface 60 may also move in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 92.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 14, as the weakened section 88 is bent by the application of force from the finger 35, at least a portion of the cove 42 may lift off of the detent bead 38. The actual point at which the cove 42 may disengaged from the detent bead 38 may vary depending on the shape, size, and/or other configurations of the various covers 42 and detent beads 38 described herein. It is understood that, however, moving at least a proximal portion of the cove 42 beyond a peak 39 of the detent bead 38 may disengaged the cove 42 therefrom. In exemplary embodiment, such a peak 39 may be defined by a radially outward-most point and/or section of the detent bead 38. For example, movement of the proximal portion of the cove 42 to the peak 39 and/or to a location distal to the peak 39 may disengaged the cove 42 from the detent bead 38.

As shown in FIG. 14, it is also understood that bending at least a portion of the flange 40 at the weakened section 88 may assist in separating at least a portion of the proximal end 84 of the probe cover 10 from the probe. In an exemplary embodiment, such separation may form and/or increase the size of a gap 94 between the inner surface 53 of the probe cover 10 and the distal end 16 of the probe. FIG. 16 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of the ejector mechanism 25 and probe cover shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 illustrates a system for protecting an insertion probe of a medical device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, such a system may include one or more probe covers 10, 10 a desirably stacked on top of each other. Such stacking may be convenient for storage and/or transportation of the probe covers 10, 10 a.

In an exemplary embodiment, any of the probe covers 10 described herein may be stored and/or otherwise stacked as shown in FIG. 15, and one or more components of the probe covers 10 described herein may assist in preventing deformation and/or damage to the respective probe covers 10 while stacked. In addition, one or more of the components described herein may assist in preventing adjacent probe covers 10, 10 a from binding and/or otherwise sticking together when stacked. It is understood that such sticking may be caused by, for example, the formation of a negative pressure environment between surfaces of adjacent probe covers 10, 10 a. Such sticking and/or wedging may also be caused by, for example, repeatedly applying axial/longitudinal force on the stack of adjacent probe covers 10 during attachment to the probe.

In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the ribs 80, base 72, shelf 76, and/or other components of each respective probe cover 10 may assist in preventing stacked probe covers from sticking together. For example, when stacked together, a second probe cover 10 a may be disposed on top of a first probe cover 10 such that a distal end (not shown) of the first probe cover 10 is located substantially within a distal end (not shown) of the second probe cover 10 a. When so situated, the proximal end 84 of the first probe cover 10 may be located substantially directly beneath and/or adjacent to the proximal end 84 of the second probe cover 10 a. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more ribs 80 of the first probe cover 10 may mate with and/or otherwise engage one or more corresponding ribs 80 of the second probe cover 10 a in such a stacked configuration. It is understood that engagement of such ribs 80 may assist in preventing two or more adjacent surfaces of the respective probe covers 10, 10 a from sticking together while stacked.

In additional exemplary embodiments, the probe covers 10, 10 a may be stacked such that the base 72 of the second probe cover 10 a is disposed upon and/or otherwise mated with the shelf 76 of the first probe cover 10. In such an exemplary embodiment, the shelf 76 may act as a hard stop preventing the second probe cover 10 a from moving further in the direction of arrow 91. Although the base 72 of the second probe cover 10 a may be disposed at any location laterally along the shelf 76, it may be desirable to substantially align the longitudinal axis 92 of the second probe cover 10 a with the longitudinal axis 92 of the first probe cover 10 so as to maximize the surface area of the base 72 engaged with the shelf 76. In exemplary embodiments, the base 72 and/or the shelf 76 of each probe cover 10, 10 a may be sized to account for an acceptable degree of misalignment therebetween while stacked.

As described above, the shelf 76 may extend substantially annularly around the outer surface 78 of the probe cover 10 and/or the flange 40. Such a configuration may assist in supporting an adjacent probe cover 10 a thereon regardless of the radial orientation of the second probe cover 10 a. In additional exemplary embodiments, the base 72 may also extend substantially annularly around the flange 40 and/or the proximal end 84. In still further exemplary embodiments, one or both of the base 72 and the shelf 76 may define one or more channels, notches, spaces, breaks, and/or other structures to assist in preventing adjacent stacked probe covers 10, 10 a from sticking together. As described above, such structures may prevent such sticking by allowing, for example, air and/or other fluids to pass therebetween.

When probe covers 10, 10 a are stacked together as shown in FIG. 15, a gap 96 may be formed between the first probe cover 10 and the second probe cover 10 a. Such a gap may be formed and/or otherwise maintained by engagement between, for example, the base 72 of the second probe cover 10 a and the shelf 76 of the first probe cover 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the gap 96 may extend from the shelf 76 of the first probe cover 10 to the distal end 82 (not shown) of the first probe cover 10. It is understood that a gap 96 may be defined by and/or extend between two or more adjacent surfaces of the first and second probe covers 10, 10 a. For example, the gap 96 may be defined by the outer surface 78 of the first probe cover 10 and the inner surface 53 of the second probe cover 10 a. Maintaining such a gap 96 may assist in preventing the wedging, sticking, and/or binding problems discussed herein.

In additional exemplary embodiments in which one or more of the shelf 76 and/or the base 72 of adjacent stacked probe covers 10, 10 a define one or more of the channels, spaces, breaks, and/or other structures described above, it is understood that the gap 96 may extend through such a structure along substantially the entire outer surface 78 of the first probe cover 10. Alternatively, in embodiments in which each of the base 72 and the shelf 76 extend substantially annularly without any such channels, a second gap 98 may be defined between the flange 40 of the first probe 10 and the flange 40 of the second probe 10 a. Although the entirety of the stacked probe covers 10 a are not illustrated in FIG. 15, it is understood that while the base 72 of the second probe cover 10 a contacts the shelf 76 of the first probe cover 10, in an exemplary embodiment, a remainder of the second probe cover 10 a may be separated from the first probe cover 10 due to the engagement between the base 72 and the shelf 76.

Turning now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, there is illustrated a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the probe cover 10 is also equipped with a series of snap-on fittings 50 as described above. The cove that is formed in the inner wall of the cover body adjacent to the flange is also provided with a weakened section about which the flange can flex. A circular groove 63 is provided in the outer face of the flange, which contains a camming surface 65 that is angularly offset with regard to the longitudinal axis of the probe. The end 67 of each ejector mechanism finger 35 is arcuate shaped and acts as a cam follower that rides in sliding contact with the camming surface 65. Again, as the ejector is moved from the first cover locking position to the second release position, each snap on fitting 50 is opened and the cover is released from the probe.

As noted, it is the general practice to package and ship the covers in stacks. A number of probe covers 10-10 are illustrated in FIG. 10 in a stacked configuration. When stacked one on top of the other the semi circular tabs on the upper cover are arrange to seat upon the flange of the underlying cover to prevent the outer wall surface of the lower cover from moving into binding contact with the inner surface of the upper cover. In addition, the inclined edge surfaces 58 on the outer face of cover flange 40 provide an easily accessible space between each of the cover which can be utilized to further facilitate removal of individual covers from the stack.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. 

1. A probe cover for a medical instrument, comprising: a distal end; a proximal end opposite the distal end; an annular flange extending around the proximal end; and a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to mate with an ejector mechanism of the instrument, a section of the flange being configured to flex in response to application of a force to the camming surface by the ejector mechanism, wherein such flexing releases the cover from the instrument.
 2. The probe cover of claim 1, further comprising a shelf extending along at least a portion of an outer surface of the flange and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cover.
 3. The probe cover of claim 2, further comprising an annular base configured to rest upon a shelf of an additional probe cover stacked therebeneath.
 4. The probe cover of claim 3, further comprising a cove disposed substantially beneath the shelf and at least partially defined by an inner surface of the cover opposite the shelf, the cove configured to releasably mate with a detent bead of the instrument.
 5. The probe cover of claim 4, wherein a maximum vertical distance between the camming surface and the base is greater than or equal to approximately half of a maximum vertical distance between the cove and the base.
 6. The probe cover of claim 5, wherein a horizontal distance between a peak of the camming surface and a radially outermost portion of the cove is less than approximately twice the maximum vertical distance between the cove and the base.
 7. The probe cover of claim 4, wherein a portion of the cove extends substantially parallel to the shelf.
 8. The probe cover of claim 1, wherein the camming surface extends upwardly and inwardly toward the distal end of the body.
 9. A method of removing a probe cover from a medical instrument, comprising: slidably engaging a cam follower surface of the medical instrument with a camming surface of the cover, the camming surface extending at least partially around a proximal end of the cover; flexing the cover about a section of the proximal end in response to the engagement between the cam follower surface and the camming surface; and disengaging a cove defined by an inner surface of the cover from a detent bead of the instrument in response to the flexing.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein slidably engaging the cam follower surface with the camming surface of the cover comprises moving the cam follower surface along a substantially arcuate path.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein disengaging the cove comprises moving a proximal portion of the cove beyond a peak of the detent bead.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein flexing the cover comprises moving a portion of the camming surface toward a longitudinal axis of the cover.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein slidably engaging the cam follower surface with the camming surface of the cover comprises moving the cam follower surface toward a longitudinal axis of the cover.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein flexing the cover comprises moving a portion of the camming surface away from a longitudinal axis of the cover.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein slidably engaging the cam follower surface with the camming surface of the cover comprises moving the cam follower surface away from a longitudinal axis of the cover.
 16. A system for probe cover storage, comprising: a first probe cover, the first probe cover having a distal end, a proximal end, an annular flange extending around the proximal end, a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to mate with an ejector mechanism of the instrument, a section of the flange being configured to flex in response to application of a force to the camming surface by the ejector mechanism, and a shelf extending along at least a portion of an outer surface of the flange and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cover; and a second probe cover stacked on top of the first probe cover such that the distal end of the first probe cover is disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the second probe cover, the second probe cover having a base disposed on the shelf of the first probe cover such that a gap is formed between the first probe cover and the second probe cover, the gap extending from the shelf to the distal end of the first probe cover.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the second probe cover is substantially identical to the first probe cover.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the shelf extends annularly around the outer surface of the flange.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the base extends substantially perpendicular from a longitudinal axis of the second probe cover.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the base is defined by a flange disposed at a proximal end of the second probe cover, the base extending substantially annularly around the proximal end of the second probe cover.
 21. The system of claim 16, wherein the gap extends between the flange of the first probe and a flange of the second probe.
 22. The system of claim 16, wherein the gap extends between an outer surface of the first probe cover and an inner surface of the second probe cover.
 23. A method of storing probe covers for a medical instrument, comprising: positioning a first probe cover at a storage location; disposing a second probe cover on top of the first probe cover such that a distal end of the first probe cover is located substantially within a distal end of the second probe cover and a proximal end of the first probe cover is located substantially directly beneath and adjacent to a proximal end of the second probe cover; and mating a base formed on an inner surface of the second probe cover with a shelf formed on an outer surface of the first probe cover, the base maintaining a gap extending between the first and second surface.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the gap extends from the base of the second probe cover to the distal end of the first probe cover.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the base of the second probe cover contacts the first probe cover and a remainder of the second probe cover is separated from the first probe cover.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the shelf extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first probe cover and the base extends substantially parallel to the shelf.
 27. A probe cover for a medical instrument, comprising: a substantially conical body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a flange annularly surrounding the proximal end, the body defining a longitudinal axis and tapering away from the longitudinal axis from the distal end toward the proximal end; an IR transparent lens disposed at the distal end of the body; a cove formed by an inner surface of the body, the cove extending annularly around the body and being configured to receive a plurality of detent beads of the instrument for releasably connecting the probe cover to the instrument; a camming surface defined by the flange and configured to receive an ejector finger of the instrument; and a weakened section formed proximate the cove, the weakened section configured to bend in response to an upward force applied to the camming surface by the ejector finger, wherein bending of the weakened section removes the cove from the plurality of detent beads and releases the probe cover from the instrument.
 28. The probe cover of claim 27, further comprising an annular shelf extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, the shelf being disposed substantially above the cove and defined by a portion of an outer surface of the cover opposite the cove.
 29. The probe cover of claim 27, further comprising a base configured to rest upon a shelf of an additional probe cover stacked therebeneath, wherein a maximum vertical distance between the camming surface and the base is greater than or equal to approximately half of a maximum vertical distance between the cove and the base.
 30. The probe cover of claim 29, wherein a horizontal distance between a vertically uppermost portion of the face and a radially outermost portion of the cove is less than approximately twice the maximum vertical distance between the cove and the base. 